EAGER Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'eager' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of eager are anxious , athirst , avid , and keen . While all these words mean "moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest," eager implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint. // eager to get started

Q: When might 'anxious' be a better fit than 'eager'?

The words anxious and eager can be used in similar contexts, but anxious emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment. // anxious not to make a social blunder

Q: When can 'athirst' be used instead of 'eager'?

The synonyms athirst and eager are sometimes interchangeable, but athirst stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action. // athirst for adventure

Q: How are the words 'avid' and 'eager' related?

Avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed. // avid for new thrills

Q: Where would 'keen' be a reasonable alternative to 'eager'?

While in some cases nearly identical to eager , keen suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action. // keen on the latest fashions

eager

adjective

ˈē-gər

Definition of eager

as in excited

showing urgent desire or interest Tom was eager to try out his new pair of skis

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How is the word eager distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of eager are anxious, athirst, avid, and keen. While all these words mean "moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest," eager implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint.

eager to get started

When might anxious be a better fit than eager?

The words anxious and eager can be used in similar contexts, but anxious emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment.

anxious not to make a social blunder

When can athirst be used instead of eager?

The synonyms athirst and eager are sometimes interchangeable, but athirst stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action.

athirst for adventure

How are the words avid and eager related?

Avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed.

avid for new thrills

Where would keen be a reasonable alternative to eager?

While in some cases nearly identical to eager, keen suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action.

keen on the latest fashions

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of eager In his WhatsApp exchanges, Molina appeared eager to help Romo kill members of their gang. — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Meta’s case suggests that even some of the most eager organizations may struggle to replace various human workloads with AI while also highlighting the risks of overzealous AI projects. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 Peacock is giving eager fans a quick glimpse of what happened at the event, which was filmed in Universal City, California, earlier this month. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Thus this year’s list honors those who do more than wear clothes well or live their lives in head-to-toe ensembles handed to them by eager PR apparatchiks. — Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eager

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eager

Adjective

On the opposite sideline, Trimble Tech Head Coach MK Hamilton entered the season with a more experienced roster and was excited about the leadership his veteran players bring.

— Riley Ledesma, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
The Atlanta native is excited to carry his dreams and the family name forward.

— PJ Green August 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of excited

Adjective

Bell, however, couldn’t be more enthusiastic for the opportunity.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
The other clock hiding inside it The TC001 has attracted an enthusiastic home-automation following because it can be used with AWTRIX, an open-source firmware and ecosystem designed around small LED matrix displays.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of enthusiastic

Adjective

Off set, Curry was an avid horticulturalist and worked on gardens across his own residences as well as in the homes of friends—among them, Freddie Mercury.

— Irene Borger, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026
The strong first half comes as Lego continues to expand its product catalog, capturing new customers and retaining its already avid fan base of brick builders.

— Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of avid

Adjective

Star Arnold Schwarzenegger was keen to do a sequel, but Cameron was busy with other projects, including Aliens in 1986 (another killer sequel).

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Some keen advice from an industry survivor like Paltrow on how to laugh off the haters could come in handy.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of keen

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“Eager.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eager. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Can 'anxious' be used to mean 'eager'?

Cite this Entry

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